Barcelona hit Real Madrid for six

It was the first time in the 80-year history of "El Clasico" that Barca had knocked six past Real in Madrid and the stunning victory for Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday put them within touching distance of a first league title in three years.

Real Madrid lose title hopes

Dangerman Messi and Samuel Eto'o went close to extending the lead as Barca dominated possession before Xavi robbed Lassana Diarra in midfield and Messi raced on to the loose ball to slot home after 36 minutes.

Real coach Juande Ramos said Barca deserved to win.

"We have lost a lot of the hope we had about winning the league," he said.

Barcelona hit century

Ramos headed in Arjen Robben's whipped free kick in the 56th to briefly give the home fans hope but Barca always looked like adding to their tally and Henry, Messi and Gerard Pique completed the rout.

Barca's victory evoked memories of a Johan Cruyff-inspired 5-0 win in February 1974 and took their goal tally for the season to 100 in 34 league matches, seven short of the record set by Real in 1989-90.